The online community has definitely seen the term LOL in many conversations and images. As often as we see the acronym, it is important to remember that laughing out loud should not only be happening on the internet. Laughing can help a senior loved one feel happier and healthier, and that is no joke. Laughter is a necessary part of human happiness and its absence can result in dysfunctional behaviors and the inability to adapt to situations that may arise in life.

A senior loved one can benefit greatly from getting out of the house and attending a comedy show or light hearted movie. If your loved one seems like they could really use a good laugh, ask them what puts a smile on their face. Familiar movies from their past may hold the key to some light hearted laughing. Maybe with some searching, you can find some old TV shows they loved watching on DVD or online.

If your loved one is more adventurous, and young at heart, perhaps playing a silly joke on them would invoke a laugh. Laughter is good medicine and in many cases can relieve stress, worry and depression. A good hearty laugh alleviates feelings of loneliness and isolation. Laughter releases endorphins that can reduce the perception of pain and can even stimulate the immune system.

Help your elderly loved one to pay attention to the small things in life that make them smile. It is common, as adults, to let humorous moments pass without much acknowledgment. Help your loved one to set their focus on the humor in their life. Help them to be playful and to laugh at themselves and perhaps point out any flaws of your own that may cause them to giggle.

Whenever possible, help to add humor to your loved one’s day. Try to encourage them to laugh every day. Subscribe them to daily emails with a Joke of the Day or read the comics in the newspaper. You could even look up some humorous videos on YouTube that make tickle their funny bone.

Help your senior loved one stay young at heart with daily laughter. Laughing goes a long way in making a senior loved one feel vibrant and connected to life. Laughter helps them to feel better about themselves, those around them, and to share their blessings with others.

You don’t stop laughing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop laughing. –Michael Pritchard

Senior Helpers of Webster Groves provides compassionate and affordable in home care to all areas of Webster Groves, Kirkwood, Affton, Ladue, Mehlville, Crestwood. For more information, call 314-968-2273 today!